Paraguay

Abstract

The Republic of Paraguay gained its independence from Spain on 14 May, 1811. In 1814, Dr. José Gaspar Rodriguez Francia was elected dictator and in 1816 perpetual dictator, by the National Assembly. He died 20 Sept., 1840. In 1844, a new constitution was adopted, under which Carlos Antonio López (first elected in 1842) and his son, Francisco Solano López ruled until 1870. During a devastating war against Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1865–70) Paraguay lost probably 500,000 men. Argentina in Aug., 1942, and Brazil in May, 1943, voided the reparations debt imposed upon Paraguay, which Paraguay had never paid.